| |
Main
Date: 03 Jul 2006 20:27:44
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Grinder questions
|
Since reading here and getting suggestion, especially about grinders, I
did some research on my own. Here are some brands I ran across.
Gaggia MDF
Mazzer Mini
Racilio Rocky
All of these have been mentioned here.
Solis Maestro
La Pavona
These were not mentioned that I saw.
I realize the the Mazzer Mini is the highest recommended model, I also
noticed that it is the most expensive by a large margin. That has to be
taken into consideration.
What about the others? Do they perform well for espresso grinds? How
about life expectancy and repairability?
I'm still learning, any help appreciated.
Lloyd
|
|
| |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 01:55:49
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
|
| | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 09:22:44
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <44a9c788.254886928@localhost >,
ross@math.hawaii.NOSPAM.edu (D. Ross) wrote:
>
|
| | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 03:32:41
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross wrote:
>
|
| | | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 18:28:19
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
|
| | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 05:36:04
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross wrote:
>
|
| | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 15:35:35
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 17:52:24
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross wrote:
>
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 18:23:56
From: Colin B.
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross <ross@math.hawaii.nospam.edu > wrote:
>
|
| | | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 19:08:35
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
me:
|
| | | | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 17:50:20
From: J. Clarke
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross wrote:
> me:
>
>
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Date: 06 Jul 2006 06:06:53
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
"J. Clarke" <jclarke.usenet@snet.net.invalid > wrote:
|
| | |
Date: 03 Jul 2006 22:35:30
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
ross@math.hawaii.NOSPAM.edu (D. Ross) wrote:
>If you want a permanent espresso grinder, get a Rocky, or the Cunill
>Tranquilo...
The Cunill el Cafe Tranquillo here:
http://sovrana.stores.yahoo.net/esgrin.html
Is selling for $199 which seems to be a heck of a deal. Maybe someone
can comment on the model...? Add $25 for the doser model, but that one
is out of stock currently. If this is not a price mistake it might be
a great deal from what I can see. It sells fr $390 everywhere else
from what little I could find this evening...
And check the user reviews at http://www.coffeegeek.com
Randy "Shop foryerown grinder" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| | | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 11:15:18
From: Craig Andrews
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
"Randy G." <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote in message
news:83vja2lpfdscen3iffpif58fahqonn3ouu@4ax.com...
> ross@math.hawaii.NOSPAM.edu (D. Ross) wrote:
>
>>If you want a permanent espresso grinder, get a Rocky, or the Cunill
>>Tranquilo...
>
> The Cunill el Cafe Tranquillo here:
> http://sovrana.stores.yahoo.net/esgrin.html
> Is selling for $199 which seems to be a heck of a deal. Maybe someone
> can comment on the model...? Add $25 for the doser model, but that one
> is out of stock currently. If this is not a price mistake it might be
> a great deal from what I can see. It sells fr $390 everywhere else
> from what little I could find this evening...
>
> And check the user reviews at http://www.coffeegeek.com
>
> Randy "Shop foryerown grinder" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>
>
>
It's not a price mistake, Umberto Bonfante the President of Sovrana has
always sold them for that price of $199 after offering this as an
alt.coffee special for us Alties here. Altie Special Cunill - out of
stock?
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.coffee/browse_frm/thread/4a17dadb3ca5c6ec/f49bf23ea7d2237b?tvc=1&q=ALT.COFFEE+special#f49bf23ea7d2237b
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.food.drink.coffee/browse_frm/thread/efa7518320fb97e8/b38e43d03d7cf44a?lnk=st&q=ALT.COFFEE+special&rnum=6#b38e43d03d7cf44a
Craig.
|
| | | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 09:25:10
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <83vja2lpfdscen3iffpif58fahqonn3ouu@4ax.com >,
Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote:
> ross@math.hawaii.NOSPAM.edu (D. Ross) wrote:
>
> >If you want a permanent espresso grinder, get a Rocky, or the Cunill
> >Tranquilo...
>
> The Cunill el Cafe Tranquillo here:
> http://sovrana.stores.yahoo.net/esgrin.html
> Is selling for $199 which seems to be a heck of a deal. Maybe someone
> can comment on the model...? Add $25 for the doser model, but that one
> is out of stock currently. If this is not a price mistake it might be
> a great deal from what I can see. It sells fr $390 everywhere else
> from what little I could find this evening...
>
> And check the user reviews at http://www.coffeegeek.com
>
> Randy "Shop foryerown grinder" G.
> http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
>
>
If you noticed in the coffeegeek reviews, many if not most of the
reviewers paid closer to the $199 than the $390. Interesting...
Good reviews of the Tranquillo models though.
Last (maybe <G >) question. Doser vs Doserless? If I understand right a
home user probably would not want the Doser models would they?
|
| | | | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 18:20:33
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
|
| | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 18:07:17
From: Mud Pup
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
D. Ross wrote:
>
>
|
| | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 13:30:48
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <pdTqg.3654$ye3.3092@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
Mud Pup <mudpup@retriever.dyndns.org > wrote:
> D. Ross wrote:
> >
> >
|
| | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 18:59:18
From: Mud Pup
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Lloyd Parsons wrote:
>
> Does it produce a consistent espresso grind? And have you had any
> issues with it?
>
> I'm leaning towards the Cunill Tranquilo pretty hard, but it is bigger
> and seems like overkill for my 2-4 cups a day grinding.
I've never had an issue with it, and it produces a consistent
grind once I dial it in for a new batch of beans.
I'm not saying that it's the perfect pairing for a high-end machine
whose owner wants to explore the finer points of espresso shots,
but it is perfectly adequate for low end machines, certainly
a Breville.
|
| | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 14:02:36
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <a_Tqg.18$vO.12@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
Mud Pup <mudpup@retriever.dyndns.org > wrote:
> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> >
> > Does it produce a consistent espresso grind? And have you had any
> > issues with it?
> >
> > I'm leaning towards the Cunill Tranquilo pretty hard, but it is bigger
> > and seems like overkill for my 2-4 cups a day grinding.
>
> I've never had an issue with it, and it produces a consistent
> grind once I dial it in for a new batch of beans.
>
> I'm not saying that it's the perfect pairing for a high-end machine
> whose owner wants to explore the finer points of espresso shots,
> but it is perfectly adequate for low end machines, certainly
> a Breville.
OK, thanks.
But how about for later when I upgrade to a machine with a
non-pressurized portafilter?
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 22:09:30
From: Mud Pup
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Lloyd Parsons wrote:
>
> OK, thanks.
>
> But how about for later when I upgrade to a machine with a
> non-pressurized portafilter?
I have a non-pressurized portafilter - a Gaggia Espresso - and,
again, it works fine. If you're asking if its the last grinder
you'll ever buy, then I would have to say that's up to you. I
can only tell you my experience.
|
| | | | | | | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 18:29:38
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <uMWqg.3725$ye3.1469@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
Mud Pup <mudpup@retriever.dyndns.org > wrote:
> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> >
> > OK, thanks.
> >
> > But how about for later when I upgrade to a machine with a
> > non-pressurized portafilter?
>
> I have a non-pressurized portafilter - a Gaggia Espresso - and,
> again, it works fine. If you're asking if its the last grinder
> you'll ever buy, then I would have to say that's up to you. I
> can only tell you my experience.
Thanks for the info, it is appreciated.
I ended up ordering a Gaggia MDF from Amazon. With the $25 discount and
free shipping, it just couldn't be sneezed at. Shade under $173.
Only problem is shipping time, free shipping is slower so I'll have to
be a bit patient.
|
| | | | |
Date: 07 Jul 2006 03:42:20
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <lloydparsons-8BC768.13304805072006@individual.net >,
Lloyd Parsons <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote:
> In article <pdTqg.3654$ye3.3092@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>,
> Mud Pup <mudpup@retriever.dyndns.org> wrote:
> > D. Ross wrote:
> > >
> > >
|
| | | |
Date: 06 Jul 2006 06:09:33
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
|
| |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 01:56:01
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
First three are in the can't miss category. All very good for any coffee
need.
Maestro - not for me, thanks, although I had a 177 for years & it was fine
once I adjusted the burrs.
La Pavoni - many different models to choose from. Some are quite good (upper
price range of course).
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote in message
news:lloydparsons-F50EBC.20274403072006@individual.net...
> Since reading here and getting suggestion, especially about grinders, I
> did some research on my own. Here are some brands I ran across.
>
> Gaggia MDF
> Mazzer Mini
> Racilio Rocky
>
> All of these have been mentioned here.
>
> Solis Maestro
> La Pavona
>
> These were not mentioned that I saw.
>
> I realize the the Mazzer Mini is the highest recommended model, I also
> noticed that it is the most expensive by a large margin. That has to be
> taken into consideration.
>
> What about the others? Do they perform well for espresso grinds? How
> about life expectancy and repairability?
>
> I'm still learning, any help appreciated.
>
> Lloyd
|
| |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 09:12:55
From:
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Any opinions on the MACAP? I remember reading a good review some time
ago.
It looks like a Mazzer, but has the price point of a Rocky.
http://espressoparts2.zoovy.com/product/MCAP_M4B
TIA.
|
| |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 00:07:05
From: Ritske Rensma
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
If you can get the Cunill for $200 then you're getting a pretty good
deal! It used to sell for around that amount here in the UK on e-bay,
but it's currently selling for almost double. (I think the guy that's
selling them figured out that their reputation had become rather good,
or something like that). Most people seem to be very happy with it. I
own an MDF and am happy with it as well - the only downside is the
doser, but you can easily work around that. Just grind what you need
and keep flicking the switch until you've emptied it (this would
probably apply to the doser models of the Rocky and the Cunill as
well). The burrs on the MDF are apparently very similar to the burrs on
the Rocky; the Rocky excels because it has double the amount of grind
settings than the MDF (which has only 39). The MDF is cheaper, though,
and still a very sturdy (and good-looking, in my book) machine.
Keep in mind that the doser models of the MDF, the Rocky and the Cunill
are designed to work with a portafilter underneath. If you want to use
them for other applications than espresso, you'll have to find a bowl
or a cannister small enough to fit underneath the doser. You can then
grind, empy the doser into bowl/cannister and pour the grinds where you
need them.
ritske
|
| | |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 09:34:27
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
"Ritske Rensma" <r.rensma@virgin.net > wrote:
>Keep in mind that the doser models of the MDF, the Rocky and the Cunill
>are designed to work with a portafilter underneath. If you want to use
>them for other applications than espresso, you'll have to find a bowl
>or a cannister small enough to fit underneath the doser. You can then
>grind, empy the doser into bowl/cannister and pour the grinds where you
>need them.
>
The Rocky is easily modified to be a bit more friendly to methods
other than portafilter use. The forks are easily removed leaving a
larger under-doser work area. I often grind about 1/2 pound at a time,
allowing the doser to fill, and dispendsing directly into a plastic
bad for sealing. It will also dispense into a paper filter for drip
this way as well.
Randy "no forks" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 04 Jul 2006 12:05:49
From: Felix
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Ritske Rensma writes:
> the Rocky excels because it has double the amount of grind settings
> than the MDF (which has only 39).
Some MDF's have only 34, but they differ only at the coarse end of the
spectrum, where most of the settings are useless.
It's not hard to remove the pins/springs that engage the MDF's collar,
thereby making it infinitely adjustable. I would wrap the burr carrier
threads with PTFE tape when reassembling.
Felix
|
| |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 00:04:36
From: Ritske Rensma
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Randy G. wrote:
> The Rocky is easily modified to be a bit more friendly to methods
> other than portafilter use. The forks are easily removed leaving a
> larger under-doser work area. I often grind about 1/2 pound at a time,
> allowing the doser to fill, and dispendsing directly into a plastic
> bad for sealing. It will also dispense into a paper filter for drip
> this way as well.
>
Ah - didn't know that! That would have been the first thing I would
have done as well, seeing as how I don't just grind for espresso (only
using the Aeropress at the moment, and loving it). In that case, the
Rocky does sound like a better deal (well, it would be, wouldn't it?).
Then again, I was a bit wary when I ordered the MDF, what with all the
bad reviews about the 'crap' doser and all, but I have to say I'm
thoroughly pleased with the machine. The doser isn't half as bad as I
expected - the only downside is that the plastic forks underneath it
aren't removable so you wouldn't be able to grind into a bag or a
filter. As for the doser/doserless discussion - I bought the MDF
because I was forced to be budget conscious, but if I had to buy a
grinder again without this restriction I would probably go for a doser
model again. I can grind and dose with almost no mess, something which
my brother (who has a doserless Nemox/Lux grinder) can't seem to do -
his sink always seems to be covered in ground coffee! Well, that could
be him and not the grinder, I guess. Anyway - don't be too scared to go
for a doser; just use it slightly differently than what it seems to
have been designed for.
Ritske
|
| | |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 07:43:38
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
"Ritske Rensma" <r.rensma@virgin.net > wrote:
>
>Randy G. wrote:
>
>> The Rocky is easily modified to be a bit more friendly to methods
>> other than portafilter use. The forks are easily removed leaving a
>> larger under-doser work area. I often grind about 1/2 pound at a time,
>> allowing the doser to fill, and dispendsing directly into a plastic
>> bad for sealing. It will also dispense into a paper filter for drip
>> this way as well.
>>
>
>Ah - didn't know that! That would have been the first thing I would
>have done as well, seeing as how I don't just grind for espresso (only
>using the Aeropress at the moment, and loving it).
>
The grind I use for the aeropress is the same I use for Silvia for
espresso.
>... I was a bit wary when I ordered the MDF, what with all the
>bad reviews about the 'crap' doser and all, but I have to say I'm
>thoroughly pleased with the machine. The doser isn't half as bad as I
>expected - the only downside is that the plastic forks underneath it
>aren't removable
>
EVERYTHING is removeable! I own a hacksaw, a Dremel tool, a table saw,
and a sledge hammer! ;-)
Randy "where's my torch?" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| | | |
Date: 07 Jul 2006 03:21:13
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <8sjna2den8dt6ugkmvderckakvp7cb57nr@4ax.com >,
Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com > wrote:
> "Ritske Rensma" <r.rensma@virgin.net> wrote:
[..]
> >thoroughly pleased with the machine. The doser isn't half as bad as I
> >expected - the only downside is that the plastic forks underneath it
> >aren't removable
> EVERYTHING is removeable! I own a hacksaw, a Dremel tool, a table saw,
> and a sledge hammer! ;-)
Wot! No wrecking ball and dynamite..?! =;))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
|
| | | | |
Date: 06 Jul 2006 21:28:08
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
"Bill (Adopt)" <adopt@billsimpson.com > wrote:
>In article <8sjna2den8dt6ugkmvderckakvp7cb57nr@4ax.com>,
> Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com> wrote:
>> "Ritske Rensma" <r.rensma@virgin.net> wrote:
>
>[..]
>> >thoroughly pleased with the machine. The doser isn't half as bad as I
>> >expected - the only downside is that the plastic forks underneath it
>> >aren't removable
>
>> EVERYTHING is removeable! I own a hacksaw, a Dremel tool, a table saw,
>> and a sledge hammer! ;-)
>
>Wot! No wrecking ball and dynamite..?! =;))
>
No... My wife got so pissed off while pulling all the little pieces
of the breadmaker out of the kitchen ceiling and walls that I am no
longer allowed to use dynamite for appliance repair. ;-P~
Randy "RSVP on the TNT" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
|
| |
Date: 05 Jul 2006 16:34:01
From: shane
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
I would agree with this assesment. Plastic does not belong in the
moving parts of a coffee grinder. The metal burrset held in place by
plastic ends up with slop, which does not work well for espresso.
Plastic hoppers and chutes are fine, burrsets, no.
Shane
> >
> > Hence my phrase "plastic as part of the essential mechanism"
>
> There's nothing wrong with "plastic as part of the essential mechanism".
> Plastic is part of the "essential mechanism" on just about every parachute
> and bulletproof vest.
>
> The problem comes when either the plastic was not properly matched to the
> task or the part was not engineered to handle the forces and temperatures
> encountered. In the case of the PGC I can think of several minor changes
> to the design that would have fixed the problem while still using plastic.
>
> -
> --John
> to email, dial "usenet" and validate
> (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
|
| |
Date: 06 Jul 2006 00:33:44
From: Ritske Rensma
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
Quote:
'I'm leaning towards the Cunill Tranquilo pretty hard, but it is bigger
and seems like overkill for my 2-4 cups a day grinding. '
If you can afford it, go for the better grinder! You may not think that
you'll need it now, but in my experience upgrade-fever will stike
sooner or later... 2-4 cups a day is more than enough to justify buying
a quality grinder, at least in my opinion. I think with the SMP the
problem is consistency from model to model - some people get one that
just works, some people get one that has many problems. On the other
hand, with grinders like the Rocky, the MDF or the Cunill, there seems
to be a lot more consistency about the reviews: almost everyone likes
them, and if they don't it's about something specific in the design
(in most cases - the doser). If you're thinking of upgrading to a
better machine - and it sounds like you are - then I suggest you go for
a quality grinder! I used to be sceptical about this whole 'the grinder
is more important than the espresso machine' thing, but I'm pretty
happy I'm no longer using my old Dualit grinder (also sold as a
Starbucks/Solis grinder) anymore...
Ritske
|
| | |
Date: 07 Jul 2006 04:28:55
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Grinder questions
|
In article <1152171224.287227.88850@q16g2000cwq.googlegroups.com >,
Ritske Rensma <r.rensma@virgin.net > wrote:
> Quote:
> 'I'm leaning towards the Cunill Tranquilo pretty hard, but it is bigger
> and seems like overkill for my 2-4 cups a day grinding. '
[..]
> hand, with grinders like the Rocky, the MDF or the Cunill, there seems
> to be a lot more consistency about the reviews: almost everyone likes
> them, and if they don't it's about something specific in the design
> (in most cases - the doser).
The Cunill doser - as in both the Tranquilo and it's
slightly larger and more solid industrial cousins -
makes a pretty clean job of 'sweeping the floor'.
It's also easy to dismantle when cleaning and, should
any replacement parts ever be needed, they are all
standard and easily obtainable from most everywhere.
Access - and brushing/cleaning back to pristine of
the grinder plates and chamber - is equally only a
five minute job start to finish with any of the Cunills.
With the lighter build Tranquilo there's also a timed
doserless option, with the doser hopper also being
interchangeable with the doser, albeit with User rather
than self timing)...
> If you're thinking of upgrading to a
> better machine - and it sounds like you are - then I suggest you go for
> a quality grinder! I used to be sceptical about this whole 'the grinder
> is more important than the espresso machine' thing, but I'm pretty
> happy I'm no longer using my old Dualit grinder (also sold as a
> Starbucks/Solis grinder) anymore...
:)) Absolutely.. Concur without hesitation! All a
coffee machine does is deliver H2O (plus stray minerals)
at a certain temperature give or take a bit at c. 9bar
pressure.
The grinder, however, has to grind to granules of
a uniform consistency of umpty microns (or something)
from an almost indestructable super-hard-bean before
a truly, truly scrumptious espresso can be delivered.
The equation seems to be (approximately):
Quality grinder + quality machine = outstanding espresso
Quality grinder + average machine = good quality or better.
Average grinder + quality machine = lossy espresso..
Low end grinder + average machine = you don't want to know!
..oh, that /and/ years of barista practise, of course! ;))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
|
|
